Understanding workplace health and safety regulations is crucial for businesses and employees alike. One such regulation is RIDDOR, a legal requirement in the UK that ensures certain workplace incidents are reported to the relevant authorities. Compliance with RIDDOR is essential for maintaining a safe work environment and preventing future accidents. In this article, we will explore what RIDDOR stands for, its regulations, and its significance in workplace safety.

What does RIDDOR stand for?

RIDDOR stands for the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. These regulations place a legal duty on employers, self-employed individuals, and those in control of work premises to report specific workplace incidents.

R refers to ‘Reporting’

Reporting under RIDDOR is a legal obligation that ensures serious workplace incidents are documented and investigated. Timely and accurate reporting allows authorities such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to assess risks and implement necessary safety measures.

I refers to ‘Injuries’

RIDDOR requires the reporting of work-related injuries that result in significant harm, including fatal accidents, specified injuries, and injuries leading to over-seven-day absences from work.

D refers to ‘Diseases’

Work-related diseases, including occupational illnesses caused by hazardous substances, must be reported. These can include conditions like occupational asthma, dermatitis, and repetitive strain injuries.

D refers to ‘Dangerous Occurrences’

These are near-miss events that could have resulted in serious injury or death. Examples include structural collapses, gas leaks, and fires in the workplace.

O refers to ‘Occurrences’

Occurrences encompass incidents that may not always result in immediate injury but pose serious risks, warranting investigation and preventative measures.

R refers to ‘Regulations’

These regulations ensure that workplaces adhere to safety laws, fostering a culture of accountability and proactive risk management.

RIDDOR regulations

RIDDOR was introduced to ensure that serious workplace incidents are reported and investigated. The regulations apply to employers, self-employed individuals, and those in control of work premises. Under RIDDOR, reporting incidents involves providing details to the HSE about specific types of injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences.

Compliance with RIDDOR requires:

• Understanding which incidents are reportable.
• Reporting incidents through the correct channels (e.g., online forms or telephone reports to HSE).
• Keeping accurate records of workplace incidents.
• Taking preventative measures to reduce workplace risks.

What is a RIDDOR report?

A RIDDOR report is an official document submitted to the HSE, detailing a reportable workplace incident. This report is essential for tracking trends in workplace injuries and improving health and safety policies.

The responsibility for submitting a RIDDOR report falls on:

• Employers or those in charge of the workplace.
• Self-employed individuals responsible for reporting their own work-related incidents.
• The ‘Responsible Person’ in a workplace, such as a health and safety officer.

Reports can be submitted online via the HSE website or by calling the appropriate reporting line for fatal and major incidents.

RIDDOR reportable accidents

Not all workplace incidents need to be reported under RIDDOR. A reportable accident typically involves:

• Fatalities – Any work-related death must be reported immediately.
• Specified injuries – These include fractures (except fingers, thumbs, and toes), amputations, loss of sight, serious burns, and injuries leading to unconsciousness.
• Over-seven-day injuries – If an employee is unable to work for more than seven consecutive days due to a workplace incident, it must be reported.
• Dangerous occurrences – Near-miss events that could have caused serious harm.
• Work-related diseases – Certain occupational illnesses must also be reported, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, severe vibration-related conditions, and occupational cancers.

Timely reporting is crucial, as it helps authorities investigate incidents and implement safety improvements. Employers must ensure that their organisation follows the correct reporting procedures to remain compliant.

Why is RIDDOR important?

RIDDOR plays a vital role in workplace safety by:

• Encouraging a culture of transparency and accountability.
• Identifying workplace hazards and preventing future incidents.
• Enabling authorities to monitor safety trends and introduce necessary regulations.
• Protecting workers by ensuring health and safety policies are upheld.

Failure to comply with RIDDOR can result in legal penalties, including fines and prosecution. Non-compliance may also lead to increased workplace risks and reputational damage for businesses.

When did RIDDOR come into force?

RIDDOR was first introduced in 1995 and has undergone several amendments since its inception. The most significant revision occurred in 2013, which simplified reporting requirements and adjusted the list of reportable incidents.

Understanding these changes ensures businesses remain compliant with current regulations and adapt to any future amendments.

RIDDOR training and courses

Ensuring compliance with RIDDOR requires proper training. VinciWorks offers a range of health and safety courses designed to educate employees and employers on RIDDOR regulations, workplace hazard reporting, and overall health and safety management.

By taking VinciWorks’ RIDDOR training courses, organisations can:

• Ensure employees understand their legal responsibilities.
• Improve workplace safety and compliance.
• Reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties.